KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Aviation Commission (MAVCOM) has expressed its dissatisfaction with the Ministry of Transport’s (MOT) proposal to integrate the former with the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM) and approved by the cabinet.
"I am disappointed that such a decision was made with seeming disdain and without consultation with us. It reflects poorly on those involved in this decision," said MAVCOM executive chairman Dr. Nungsari A Radhi.
He said the government’s decision to repeal the commission’s act means that there was no need for an independent economic regulator for the aviation industry that looks into commercial licensing, competition matters as well as consumer welfare and public service obligations.
"These were functions that did not exist before MAVCOM was set up," he added.
It was reported that the move was to empower CAAM by consolidating both authorities to regulate the economic and technical aspects of the civil aviation industry.
"We are all on the same side. We all have the same concerns about the state and development of the industry in Malaysia, the health of the aviation service providers, consumer welfare and investor confidence," said Dr Nungsari.
He said there is an urgent issue of CAAM downgrade that needs to be addressed together.
“I will now focus on two things - first and foremost, to look after the welfare of the staff and to then responsibly hand over our statutory role.
“I will work with the commissioners to put into effect a proper transition for the staff, and upon doing that, we will hand over all statutory roles and responsibilities to MOT,” he said.
In the meantime, he said MAVCOM will continue performing its role as stated in the Act.
“I am very proud of the team at MAVCOM, a blend of experience and highly talented young people, who have performed with integrity and professionalism to improve both the standards of service as well as the regulatory framework in the industry. My heart goes out to them,” he said.